Dumping device for milk cans



y 1950 H. M. KENDALL 2,509,393

DUMPING DEVICE FOR MILK CANS Filed Feb. 8, 1949 s Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. I.

INVENTOR. HAROLD M. KENDALL.

MTTO RNEY$ y 1950 H. M. KENDALL 2,509,393

DUMPING DEVICE FOR MILK CANS Filed Feb. 8, 1949 s Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3.

INVENTOR. HAQOLD M KENDALL BY W70% [5W ATTORNEY-S.

y 1950 H. M. KENDALL 2,509,393

DUMPING DEVICE FOR MILK CANS Filed. Feb. 8, 1949 s Sheets-Sheet s 4s INVENTOR 4 0 t 45 HAROLD M. KENDALL.

ATTORN EYS- Patented May 30, 1950 UN ITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DUMPING DEVICE FORMILK CANS Harold M. Kendall, Potsdam, N. Y.

ApplicationyFehruary 8, 1949, Serial No. 75,129

12 Claims.

This invention relates to. a dumping ;-device for cans and is concerned more especiallywith an improved device for. conveniently emptying re-p turned milk cans ,priorito .the .,washing and sterile izing operations which. condition the cansgfor subsequent re-use.

One of the commonly employed practices in some localities for. dumping .residual milk -.from

cans returned to=the dairy orprocessing .plant is,

to invert the canto a .l80..degree position overya receptacle and allow .the, residual milk within the can to draininto the receptacle. However, many municipal and StateBoards ,of, Health do not allow this type .ofdumnine... Furthermore,- where. the 180. degree orhfWesterntype dumping is al lowed a cumbersome,gridstructure is required to support the canbeing emptied and the operation is invariably accompanied .by. excessive splashing which militates against the, maintenance of same. tary and ,hygieniciconditionsa The practice of hand-dumping milkcans. is commonly employed also,v but .handrdumping is .a primitive and. un-.

economical procedure which makes smooth, coning position without requiring the,.constant at: tendance of an operator ,duringthje drainingop eration;

A further object of the invention is the provision of a. dumping. deviceoi the character indicated which may .bereadilyassocieited with the feed table of a can washer in such apmanner-lthat the can may be conveniently pushed to loading position after the draining.operation for,subsee quent washing and conditionin prior ,to. re-use.

Another object of theinvention is the. provision of a dumping device of the character indicated which. may be readily associated with ,a conveyor system and aeanflwasher, the device. being. interposed in the line of travel of the cans between thedelivery end of the canveyor and the. feed table of the can washer and th device being 1 arranged and constructed in such a manner as to prevent slippage of the can during the tilting and drawing operation;

An additional object of .the invention-isthe. provision of a dumping device of the ch:aracter.,

indicated which may be easily installedat thede livery end of a can conveyor andyvhich includes.

.. means actuated by the can-supporting and dump;-

ing arm for preventing access of additional cans ,to.

dumping position whilena given. can is-beingdumped, thereby providing ample space ,forthe tilting and manipulation of. the can-at the dumping station and preventing injury to,the operator.

The foregoing objects ,as wellas additional ob jects and advantages of. the. invention will be readily apparent in. the course of, the following detailed description takenin connection with, the accompanying drawing s wh ich i11ustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and where-,

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a dumpingde 2Q vice incorporating the features of the invention,

the device being shown in cooperative relationwith a can conveyor and. the hopper of a re-.-

ceptacle for theresidualimilk within the can;

and

Fig. 2 isa perspective view of the dumping device mounted on the conveyor frame.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but in rear elevation, i. e. looking toward the device from the feed table ofthe can washer; and.

t Fig. 4 is a top'plan view of the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an elevational view, partly in sections, of aunified form of dumping device associated with the delivery endof a roller-type can conveyor and illustrates stop-mechanism actuated by the can-supporting element of thedevice for preventing access of additionaljcansto l the dumping station while the leadingucan is;

being tilted and dumped;

40 Fig. 6 is aview similar to Fig. 5, but includingam portion of the-drainage receptacle and the. feed table of the can washer, and illustrates the ,par-

tial tilting of the leading can and the partial deepression of thecan-supporting elementof the device; and

Fig. '7 is a view similar toFigrB but illustrating the final phase of the tilting operation with-the leading can in draining position and the can: supporting element restored to normal elevated so position, thereby also returning thestop mechanism to elevated position preventing further access of cans to ,the hdumpingiuntil the preceding can has been. tilted over the device.

Thewdevice of the invention is mostf advan B5 tageouslyemployed inconnectionwith'a conveyor for transporting the cans and a can washer for cleaning the emptied cans, the dumping device preferably being interposed in the line of travel of the cans between the end of the conveyor and the feed table of the can washer, the feed table 22 of which is shown fragmentarily in the drawing.

Referring first to Figs. l-4 inclusive, the drawings illustrate a conveyor I!) of the roller type or of any other suitable construction for transporting the returned cans to the dumping device designated generally by reference numeral II. Dumping device II preferably comprises a pair of parallel frame members I2 bent or curved at their top ends to define arcuate portions I2a which serve as a cradle for tilting cars to inclined position, as clearly shown in Fig. 1.

The can is tilted to some predetermined angle, for example 150 degrees, with respect to the vertical axis of the receiver I3 and residual milk within the can drains into said receiver through the hopper I4. The mouth of the tilted can is held by a support or bar I5 which is preferably, but not necessarily, fixed to the frame of the device. The angular inclination of the can is determined by a support or stop-bar It against which the body of the can abuts in the draining position of the can, said support being disposed to liznit the tilting of the can beyond a predetermined inclination.

An important feature of the invention resides in the provision of an arrangement for maintaining the can in draining position, illustrated in full lines in Fig. 1, throughout the draining operation without requiring the constant attention of an operator. Thus while the can is draining, the operator is left free for loading the can cover in the cover chute of the can washer 22 or for other operations and may prepare to push the emptied can forward to loading position on the feed table of the can washer. This desirable effect may be conveniently accomplished by means of a can-supporting member or lever I! pivoted at I8 between frame members I2 and projecting outwardly of arcuate portions I2a thereof to terminate in lateral extensions IQ for supporting the body of the can in the operative position of said lever, illustrated in full lines in Fig. 1. Lever I! may be provided with a lower angular extension Ila to which a spring 29 may be secured for normally urging said lever to elevated operative position limited by stop member 2|. Alternatively, a counterweight (not shown) may be substituted for spring 23 in order to accomplish the same result.

As the can is tilted over the cradle or arcuate portions I2a of the device, lever I1 is progressively depressed from the operative full line position of Fig. 1 until the can assumes its draining or fully tilted position, whereupon said lever returns to normal operative position maintaining the can in draining position.

The dumping device is most advantageously employed as part of a continuous system including a conveyor for the cans and a can washer, the device being interposed in the line of travel of the cans between the conveyor and the washer. Where this arrangement of the dumping device is employed, lower support-bar I 5 and upper stop-bar I6 are preferably mounted on the can washer, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, so that said lower support bar will maintain the can at the same level as the washer feed table 22 and stopbar I6 is shaped in such a manner as to facilitate pushing the emptied can forward to loading position on the washer. A guide bar 23 cooperates with stop-bar I 6 to tilt the can to upright inverted position on feed table 22, as clearly shown in Fig. 4.

The design and arrangement of the present invention permits more draining time for the can and eliminates splash caused by conventional grids without requiring the constant attendance of an operator during the draining period. Further, it permits a smaller hopper to be employed on the drainage receptacle and eliminates the use of the special splash grids employed in conventional practice. The novel arrangement of the invention eliminates the need of expensive preconditioners thereby also conserving valuable space, since many health authorities require that separate rooms be provided where preconditioning equipment is employed.

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate a modified form of dumping device affixed to the delivery end of a conveyor 30 having the rollers 3| for transporting the cans to the dumping station. As in the initially described embodiment of the invention, the dumping device preferably comprises a pair of parallel frame members 32 bent or curved at their top ends to define arcuate portions 32a which serve as a cradle over which the cans may be tilted to inclined draining position, whereupon residual milk within the can flows into the drainage receptacle I3 through the hopper I4. The mouth of the can is retained in draining position by supporting members I5, in the form of bars or rails, which are preferably extended from the feed table of the can washer (not shown) on a level therewith, since the dumping device is most advantageously utilized by being interposed in the line of travel of cans between the conveyor 39 and a can washer for rapid and continuous dumping prior to washing and sterilizin the cans for subsequent re-use. The angle of inclination of the can is determined by the stopmember or bar I6 suitably secured to a standard 33.

The can-supporting member or lever 34 is pivoted at 29 between frame members 32 and is provided with a preferably L-shaped or right angled upper extension 34a projecting outwardly of cradle or arcuate portions 320,, said extension 360: serving not only to support the can as it is tilted over the cradle (see Fig. 6) but also for supporting the can in inclined draining position (see Fig. '7) as member 34 returns to its normal elevated position.

In order to prevent slippage of the can as it is being tilted and to provide easy registration of the mouth of the can in proper position against the lower supporting members I5, can-supporting member 34 is provided with a lower projection or ledge 35 which catches and retains the bottom of the can being tilted, as clearly shown in Fig. 6.

Can-supporting member 34 also controls the operation of an arrangement for preventing access of additional cans to the dumping station while the leading can is at the dumping station waiting to be tilted over the cradle and this arrangement will now be described. A can stop 36 is mounted on conveyor 30 in a guide member 31 for up and down motion to alternately obstruct and clear the path of cans traveling toward the dumping station. The lower end of can stop 36 is pivoted at 38 to the stop lever 39 which is pivotally supported in any suitable manner intermediate its ends at 40, as by means of bracket 4| depending from the frame of the conveyor. The opposite end of stop lever 39 is supported at 42 by an arm i3 pivotally secured at its: upper- .end to can-sup=-= porting member 34 asiat 44; The-weight oiilever, 39 normallyexerts a downward pull on member,

3 through arm iii and serves tomaintain member 34 as well as can stop 36 in, elevated position. In order to initiate the dumping operation 6 portions; oflzsaid .frame members. and projecting, outwardlytherei-rom, said element being depress,

sible-toinoperativeposition while the can isbeing tilted to inclined draining position, and means 1 5 associated with said element and normally urging when there are no cans in dumping position, it is necessary for the operator to either momentarily depress the can-supporting member '34 'orielevate the free forward end of stop lever 39. This lowers the can stop 35 and ZJIOWSEL canto move for-: ward into dumping position after which said can stop and member 3 3 are automatically restored to normal elevated position by theubalance of the system, as shown in Fig. 5. As the can being dumped is tilted over arcuate cradle 320.,the cansaid element into elevated operative position for maintaining the can in inclined draining position.

3. A dumping device for emptying milk cans, comprising a pair of frame members defining .10 =arcuate portions to'permit tilting a can thereover,

a lower support member retaining the mouth of the can in inclined draining position, a stop member limiting the -angle of inclination of the can to a predetermined inclination, a can-supporting,

. m element swingably mounted between the arcuate supporting member 34 is progressively depressed-- and the bottom of the can is firmly'supported against the lower projecting ledge 35. Inorder to clarify the successive stages of the dumping operation as shown in Figs. 5 7, the first three- When the can has been completely taneously with the elevation of member 34 the can stop 35 is also raised, preventing advance-v ment of can C to dumping position until can B is tilted.

This arrangement contributes 110'1'3 smooth dumping operation, provides ample space for tipping the can at the dumping stationvwithout interference by oncoming cans and eliminates the possibility of injury to the operator.

As a further precautionary measure fingers 45 may be pivotally mounted on a counterweighted arm 56 for the purpose of reducing the speed andimpact of the cans arriving at the dumping staticn so as to preclude any possibility of spilling or splashing of milk.

Since certain modifications may be made in the device of the present invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the'forgoing description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings be interpreted merely as illustrativeiand not in a limitsense.

I claim:

1. A; dumping device for emptying -milk l cans comprising a pair offrame members definingari cuate portions to permit tilting .a canthereoverg a lower support member retaining the-mouth of the can in inclined draining position, a cam. taining the can in inclined draining osition. 60 p supporting element swmgably mountedbetween.

the arcuate portions of said frame members and:

ctingoutwardly therefrom, said element bemaintaining the can in draining position and being normally urged to operative elevated positions ing depressible into inoperative position while the can is being tilted to draining position:

A dumping device for emptyingmilk cansp,

portions of said frame members and projecting:

outwardly therefrom said element being depressible to inoperative position while the can is being tilted to inclined position, and spring means assogo ciated with said element and normally urging said element into elevated operative *position for main taining thecan in inclined draining position.

4. In combination'with a can washer having a feed table, a dumping device for emptying milk v; cans, said device comprising a pair of frame members defining arcuate portions to permit tilting acan thereovenia lower support member retaining the mouth of the can in inclined draining position at the level of the feed: tableof the can washer,

;-a stop member limitingthe angle of inclination of the can toapredetermined inclination, a cansupporting element swingahly mounted between the arcuate portions of saidframe members and projecting outwardlytherefrom, said element being depressible to inoperativeposition while the i can is being tilted to inclined draining position, and means associated with said element and nor-' mally-urging said element into elevated operative position for maintaining the can in inclined 40 draining position 5. In combination with a can washer having a feed table, a dumping device for emptying milk cans,-said device-comprising a pair of frame members defining arcuate-portions to permit tilting a panthereover, a lower support carried by said can washer for retaining the mouth of the can in inclined'draining positionat the level of the feed table-a stop-guide member carried by said can washer for limiting the angle or" inclination of the can to a predetermined inclination, whereby to facilitate pushing the can to loading position on said feed table,.a can supporting element swingably mounted between the arcuate portions of said frame members and projecting outwardly therefrom, said element being depressible torinoperative position while thecan is being tilted to inclined draining position-and-means associated 1 with saidelement and: normallyurging said elementintorelevated operativeposition for main- 6. A dumping device-for emptying milhcans, comprising a pair a of frame" members defining arcuate portions to permit tilting a canthereover,

a lower support member retaining the mouth of the can in inclined draining position, astop jecting outwardly therefrom, said element depressible toinoperative position while the-can is being 1 tilted to inclined draining position, said element having a lower angular extension, fixed stop means arranged to abut said angular extension in the elevated operative position of said element,

and. means associated with said element and urging said element into abutment against said stop means for maintaining the can in inclined draining position.

7. In combination with a can washer having a feed table, a dumping device for emptying milk cans, said device comprising a pair of frame members defining arcuate portions to permit tilting a can thereover, a lower support member retaining the mouth of the can in inclined draining position at the level of the feed table of the can washer, a stop member limiting the angle of inclination of the can to a predetermined inclination, a can-supporting element swingably mounted between the arcuate portions of said frame members and projecting outwardly therefrom, said element being depressible to inoperative position while the can is being tilted to inclined draining position, said element having a lower angular extension, fixed stop means ar ranged to abut said angular extension in the elevated operative position of said element, and means associated with said element and urging said element into abutment against said stop means for maintaining the can in inclined draining position.

8. A dumping device for emptying mill: cans, comprising a pair of frame members defining arcuate portions to permit tilting a, can thereover, a lower support member retaining the mouth of the can in inclined draining position, a can-supporting element swingably mounted between the arcuate portions of said frame members and projecting outwardly therefrom, said element having a rearwardly projecting ledge supporting the can against slippage during the tilting operation, said element being normally urged to operative elevated position maintaining the can in draining position and being depressible into inoperative position while the can is being tilted to draining position.

9. A dumping device for emptying milk cans, comprising a pair of frame members defining arcuate portions to permit tilting a can thereover, a lower support member retaining the mouth of the can in inclined draining position, a guide member limiting the angle of inclination of the can to a predetermined inclination, a cansup porting element swingably mounted between the arcuate portions of said frame members and projecting outwar ly therefrom, said element having a rearwardly projectin ledge supporting the can against slippage during the tilting operation, said element being depressible to inoperative position while the can is being tilted to inclined draining position, and means associated with said element and normally urging said element into elevated operative position for maintaining the can in inclined draining position.

10. In combination with conveyor means for transporting cans to a dumping station, a dumping device for tilting and emptying said cans comprising a pair of frame members defining arcuate portions to permit tilting a can thereover, a lower support member retaining the mouth of the can in inclined draining position, a guide member limiting the angle of inclination of the can to a predetermined inclination, a can-supporting element swingably mounted between the arcuate portions of said frame members and projecting outwardly therefrom, said element having a rearwardly projecting ledge supporting the can against slippage during the tilting operation, said element being normally urged to operative position maintaining the can in draining position and being depressible into inoperative position While the can is being tilted to draining position, and stop means carried by said conveyor means and cooperating with said can-supporting element to allow access of oncoming cans to the dumping station only while a can is being tilted to dumping position over said element.

11. In combination with conveyor means for transporting cans to a dumping station, a dumping device for tilting and emptying said cans comprising a pair of frame members defining arcuate portions to permit tilting a can thereover. a lower support member retaining the mouth of the can in inclined draining position, a guide member limiting the angle of inclination of the can to a predetermined inclination, a can-supporting element swingably mounted between the arcuate portions of said frame members and projecting outwardly therefrom, said element having a rearwardly projecting ledge supporting the can against slippage during the tilting operation, said element being normally urged to operative position maintaining the can in draining position and being depressible into inoperative position while the can is being tilted to draining position, and depressible stop means carried by said conveyor means and interposed in the path of travel of the cans to the dumping station, said stop means being operatively connected with said cam-supporting element, whereby to depress said stop means and allow access of oncoming cans to the dumping station upon depression of said element by tilting a can thereover.

12. In combination with conveyor means for transporting cans to a dumping station, a dumping device for tilting and emptying said cans comprising a pair of frame members defining arcuate portions to permit tilting a can thereover, a lower sup-port member retaining the mouth of the can in inclined draining position, a guide member limiting the angle of inclination of the can to a predetermined inclination, a can-supporting element swingably mounted between the arcuate portions of said frame members and projecting outwardly therefrom, said element having a rearwardly projecting ledge supporting the can against slippage during the tilting operation, said element being normally urged to operative position maintaining the can -in draining position and being depressible into inoperative position while the can is being tilted to drainin position, depressible stop means carried by said conveyor means and interposed in the path of travel of the cans to the dumping station, a lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends, the free end of said stop means being pivoted to one end of said lever, and an arm pivotally secured to said can-supporting element and supporting the free end of said lever, whereby depression of said can-supporting element upon tilting a can thereover is accompanied by depression of said stop means to allow access of oncoming cans to the dumping station.

HAROLD M. KENDALL.

No references cited. 

